Quick Read
- Caden Durham, LSU’s sophomore running back, has entered the transfer portal.
- Durham rushed for 505 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2025 despite injuries and a weak offensive line.
- LSU now has only one scholarship running back and did not sign any in the 2026 recruiting class.
When the college football transfer portal opened in January 2026, few stories resonated as sharply with LSU fans as the announcement that Caden Durham, the Tigers’ standout sophomore running back, had officially put his name in. For some, it was a moment they’d seen coming; for others, a gut punch that underscored the volatility now woven into the fabric of NCAA football.
Caden Durham’s LSU Journey: From Breakout Freshman to Transfer Portal
Durham’s trajectory at LSU was nothing short of electric. Arriving in Baton Rouge as a four-star, top-5 running back recruit for the class of 2024, he wasted no time making an impact. His freshman season was a masterclass in resilience and talent, racking up 753 rushing yards—the most among SEC freshmen—and earning the title of SEC Offensive Freshman of the Year. That he achieved these numbers while battling through a painful toe dislocation speaks volumes about his grit.
Heading into 2025, expectations for Durham soared. Analysts predicted he’d be a headline back not just in the SEC, but nationwide. Yet, the season was turbulent for LSU. The offensive line struggled, and midseason, offensive coordinator Joe Sloan was fired—a move that left the offense searching for direction. Even so, Durham managed a solid 505 yards on 111 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per touch. His career totals—1,609 yards from scrimmage over 24 games and 12 starts—are a testament to his consistency and tenacity.
Why Is Durham Leaving? Coaching Shakeups and Roster Instability
Durham’s decision to enter the transfer portal didn’t happen in a vacuum. The Tigers have been rocked by coaching changes, most notably the departure of interim head coach Frank Wilson, who previously served as running backs coach. Wilson’s move to Ole Miss as senior associate head coach and running backs coach was a seismic shift for the running back room. According to On3’s Pete Nakos and The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander, the instability has contributed to an exodus: Durham is now the third running back to leave LSU, joining Kaleb Jackson and Ju’Juan Johnson, who both entered the portal earlier in the cycle.
Compounding the problem, LSU failed to sign a running back in its 2026 high school recruiting class, leaving the program dangerously thin. As it stands, only Harlem Berry remains as the sole scholarship running back on the roster. The urgency is palpable: if LSU hopes to field a competitive team, they must turn to the transfer portal and act swiftly.
LSU’s Next Moves: Scrambling to Rebuild the Running Back Room
LSU’s coaching staff is already on the hunt for reinforcements. Reports confirm that UC Davis running back Carter Vargas, who posted 445 rushing yards and five touchdowns in his sophomore season, is visiting Baton Rouge. There’s also speculation about a potential transfer from Ole Miss, adding further intrigue to the Tigers’ recruitment efforts. But it’s clear: LSU needs not just one, but two or three new running backs to survive the rigors of the 2026 season.
It’s not just the running back room that’s thin. The Tigers have only one scholarship quarterback, raising broader questions about the overall health of the roster. For a program with LSU’s pedigree, this is unfamiliar territory—a team famous for its depth now fighting to fill essential positions.
Durham’s Legacy and What Lies Ahead
Durham leaves LSU with two years of eligibility and a resume that will attract attention across the college football landscape. His ability to produce under pressure, his resilience through injury, and his leadership on the field make him a coveted asset for any program looking to bolster its backfield.
For LSU fans, Durham’s departure is bittersweet. They watched him grow from a promising recruit into one of the most reliable playmakers on the roster. Now, as he seeks new opportunities, the Tigers must turn the page and rebuild with urgency and hope.
Durham’s exit from LSU is a microcosm of the challenges facing college football programs in the transfer portal era. Stability is fleeting, and rosters can shift overnight. For LSU, the coming months will be a true test of their recruiting acumen and adaptability. One thing is certain: the impact of Durham’s departure will be felt long after the dust settles.